Fall has officially arrived in New England. Summer was kind to us this year and stretched through most of September giving us over 20 days of sun. I wish I could package up the warm summer days and unwrap them on the days when I feel the gloom of the grey “stick season” beginning to affect my mood and energy level. I suffer from “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or as the appropriate acronym states I get S.A.D. Do you get S.A.D.

With the changing of the seasons and the end of a crazy busy summer race schedule I have fallen into a slump. My body is fatigued and has reminded me of this by gifting me with not one but two colds in the past two weeks. I know my body is telling me to rest and slow down but sometimes it is so hard to dial it back. I am trying . . .

September ended with two high points however which will help me to stay motivated. In mid-September my awesome team of Pete and Gerry’s Organic Chicks had an amazing race at Reach the Beach NH. We raced our hearts out and had an amazing third place finish in the women’s open division. We were in disbelief at our finish time and overall place. What an accomplishment! It was awesome to see 12 women pull together to work as a team and support each other through the night and the miles to finish with smiles on fast legs at the beach.

Pete and Gerry’s Organic Chicks

Leg 1 of Reach the Beach Relay-Fast Chick in a skirt

After Reach the Beach (and only two and a half or so hours of sleep during the race) my body was feeling pretty fatigued and I immediately caught a monster cold. During the week I slept and rested as much as possible because I new I was headed to the Cape the following Saturday for the ZOOMA Cape Cod Women’s Half Marathon. Leading up to the half my first priority was to get healthy so I ended up not running at all during the week. My body thanked me and I was able to shake off my cold. Phew! At the ZOOMA Race I decided to see how my body felt once I was on the course and to pace myself accordingly. I used the first 2-3 miles of the race to find a comfortable pace and to work my legs out (I definitely should have gotten that massage post-Reach the Beach!). I settled into my pace and focused on the beautiful ocean scenes on the Cape. The temperature was perfect. In the 60’s and a light misting rain. When I had 2 miles to go I was able to dig deep and pick up my pace (doing pace pick-ups during training runs has definitely helped me to find this extra kick). I crossed the line in 1:42.21. It was not a PR but I was proud of my finish and for the first time ever I won my age group at a half marathon!!!!!!

ZOOMA Cape Cod

Go for it!

Proud runner chick

Now with the leaves and the seasons changing it is time to refocus and set some new goals. I have a lot of things that I am hoping to work on and improve upon this fall and winter . . . PLEASE STAY TUNED . . .

Thanks Debbie! You are lucky there is usually sunshine where you live. We have just entered what is referred to by locals up here as “stick season.” It is the time before winter when all of the beautiful fall foliage has gone away and all of the temperatures are beginning to dip. I try to soak in the sunny days when they occur. Happy running!

It was so dreary all last week until Friday when the sun gave us a reminder of summer. It was so energizing. I am not ready for this cold and having to bundle up on runs. What are some of your winter workout items for staying warm on cold NH runs?

Hey Laura! Yes, I have been a wicked busy runner lately. I needed a few weekends to cool off a bit from running, blogging etc. as the first colds of the season and fatigue hit. Next up I may do a 12 mile trail race on the 20th and then am conflicted as to whether I should do a half marathon at the end of the month (already signed up) or a sweet 20 mile trail race around Burke Mountain (in VT-http://www.circumburke.org/). I think I am leaning towards the 20 miler as I am feeling a bit burned out on the roads at the moment. Which race would you pick? What do you have lined up? Hope all is well!

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Hello! I’m Sandra!

Welcome to Organic Runner Mom! A healthy living blog devoted to running, fitness, crossfit, triathlon, style and beauty and of course organic food! Let me help you on your journey to a healthier, fitter you!